The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries has noted with sadness reports that a primary school child committed suicide as a result of bullying.
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The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries has called for an urgent investigation following reports that a Grade 3 learner died by suicide after allegedly being bullied at school.
Committee Chairperson Makhi Feni expressed condolences to the learner’s family, as well as to the school community affected by the incident.
“It is not normal for a learner as young as (a Grade 3 learner) to commit such an act,” Feni said. “We are calling for a thorough investigation into this incident.”
Reports on Thursday indicated that the primary school learner took her own life after experiencing bullying at school, although full details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear.
Feni said the tragedy highlights the persistent challenge of bullying in South African schools and the need for stronger intervention measures.
“Bullying is a challenge in our schools that educators should never be tired of fighting,” he said.
He added that schools must be safe environments where children feel protected and supported.
“Our children must find parental love and protection in schools. This is a sad story that reflects on our system, and the quicker incidents like this are attended to and resolved, the better,” Feni said.
The committee has urged the school as well as the provincial and national departments of Basic Education to strengthen efforts to combat bullying and prevent similar incidents.
Feni also pointed to gaps in support services within schools. “The reality is that our schools lack social work and welfare services, as well as adequate learner security,” he said.
The committee will seek further information about the circumstances surrounding the incident and has called on the province to provide all possible support to the learner’s family.